Irvington official admits he improperly used town equipment

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A town official in a northern New Jersey community has admitted he improperly used township equipment on a construction project being done by his own private firm.

Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray announced Wednesday that James Ryan, the superintendent of streets and sewers in Irvington, has pleaded guilty to theft of services. The 47-year-old Washington resident is expected to receive probation when he's sentenced July 11, but will have to resign from his job.

Murray says Ryan entered his plea Monday, admitting he used two township-owned heavy equipment vehicles while completing a sewer replacement project in November 2010.

Authorities began investigating Ryan after they received an anonymous complaint. He had been suspended without pay since being charged in April 2013.